Ighalo made a surprise switch from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United on the last day of the winter transfer window last season.
An impressive start to life at Old Trafford, during which Ighalo scored four times in his first eight appearances, saw the former Nigeria international’s deal extended till the end of January 2021.
However, the arrival of Edinson Cavani at the start of the current campaign limited Ighalo’s first team chances as he has made just four appearances in all competitions this season before leaving to join Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia.
“I'm so happy that my path crossed with Manchester United - it's the club I love with all my heart and for all my life so playing for them was a big privilege that I do not take for granted,” Ighalo said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“No matter the circumstances that led me to leave, I will always be grateful to the coach, my team-mates, the fans, and everyone around Manchester United.”
“Yeah, there was the possibility of West Ham and West Brom to stay in the Premier League, which I thought about,” Ighalo added when quizzed on whether he had offers to remain in England.
“But after being at Manchester United, the biggest club in England if not the world, what else could I possibly do in the Premier League?
“I had good offers to stay in England, but I just didn't think I could stay after achieving my dream of playing for the club I had supported since I was young.
“I came all the way from China because it was Manchester United when I had already rejected other offers because United has always been my dream.
